Baristas are drawing animals, smiley faces and other doodles on cups. They aren’t just in a good mood. They’re following ...

CEO Brian Niccol’s goal to restore some of the coffee chain’s former homey feel includes baristas adding upbeat greetings and ...

Sharpies, smiley faces, and ceramic mugs are part of Starbucks’ comeback plan. But as the brand leans into feel-good fixes, baristas are asking a different question: who exactly is this helping?

When Conor Ireland picked up his cold brew at a Starbucks in London, Ontario, last month, he discovered a drawing of a sausage-shaped creature saying “neigh.” “Why is there a salamander ...